“We move people from isolation to collaboration.” – The Rev. Betty Kazadi Musau on 21st century technology in Africa.
Church best way to reach rural Africa
KAMINA, Democratic Republic of Congo (UMNS) – The church often has a bigger presence in rural Africa than the government, making it a good channel to spread health information aimed at saving the lives of mothers and infants and publicizing safe practices about diseases like cholera. Vicki Brown reports on efforts to use technology to improve health in Africa.
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Senate legislation aims to help women, children
WASHINGTON (UMNS) — Bipartisan legislation introduced in the Senate will improve how the United States provides life-saving assistance to women and children around the world, says Susan Burton, director of women’s and children’s advocacy for the United Methodist Board of Church and Society.
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UMCOR at work in Detroit
DETROIT (UMNS) — Nearly a year after flooding in Detroit, long-term recovery is, in some ways, just beginning. The United Methodist Committee on Relief is working with partners there to help flood survivors and a United Methodist Global Mission Fellow will join the recovery team in August. Susan Kim reports for UMCOR.
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Pastors fight racism, move forward after Ferguson
FERGUSON, Mo. (UMNS) – On August 9, 2014, the shooting death of 18-year-old Michael Brown by a police officer set off four days of demonstrations in Ferguson. The Revs. F. Willis Johnson and Matt Miofsky spoke with United Methodist Communications about their efforts to ease the unrest. Lilla Marigza reports.
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Hot sun, lemonade help preacher's kids raise funds
VIDALIA, Ga. (UMNS) – Two preacher’s kids raised more than $600 for orphan care by selling lemonade on a hot summer day here. William and Lauren Greene, 8 and 5, did the July 11 fundraiser for Lifeline Adoption Agency and Stand for Orphans. Their father, the Rev. Robert Greene, is pastor of Vidalia First United Methodist Church.
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NJ bishop to speak at Senator Booker forum
EAST ORANGE, N. J. (UMNS) – The Coalition of Religious Leaders of New Jersey and U.S. Senator Cory Booker are hosting a forum on criminal justice reform on Tuesday, Aug. 11. United Methodist New Jersey Area Bishop John Schol will provide the opening remarks. The event will include a panel discussion on criminal justice, mass incarceration, race, faith and the impact on local communities and will be broadcast by NJTV News. The public is invited, but must RSVP.
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Cleaver appointed to peace officer commission
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (UMNS) – The Rev. Emanuel Cleaver III, senior pastor of St. James United Methodist Church, was appointed by Missouri Governor Jay Nixon to the Peace Officer Standard and Training Commission. The commission is responsible for licensing peace officers and ensuring compliance with continuing education requirements. Cleaver is the only commission member who is not a law enforcement officer.
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History agency names communications director
MADISON, N.J. (UMNS) – The United Methodist Commission on Archives and History has announced that James “Jay” Rollins of New York City has been named director of communications, effective July 29. Rollins previously worked with the United Methodist Board of Global Ministries and the United Methodist Committee on Relief.
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Looking ahead
Here are some of the activities ahead for United Methodists across the connection. If you have an item to share, email [email protected] and put Digest in the subject line.
Thursday-Sunday, Aug. 13-16
Crossroads: School of Congregational Development 2015 — Sheraton Indianapolis Hotel at Keystone Crossing in Indianapolis will host this United Methodist gathering sponsored by United Methodist Discipleship Ministries, Path1: New Church Starts, and the Board of Global Ministries. $475 on-site. Details
You can see more educational opportunities and other upcoming events in the life of the church here.
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